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Thanks everyone, I'm certainly not a pro but have been taught the basics so its more if a cheap welder will be OK with the options originally specified (ie 4 position switch) for the odd bit off chassis repair etc.
It's not a machine to be used everyday and I know you get what you pay for so I guess I'll see how far I get!
I'm a welder fabricator by trade. I recently bought a Cigweld 250 which is the largest single phase welder you can use on a 240v supply. It was on sale for $900. I've used the smaller machines, and they're best described as 'ok'. Is Cash Convertors worth considering? Buying a bigger second hand machine would be my suggestion. Either way, go for the biggest one you're budget allows. :)
Thanks sitec, was just about to check Gumtree/cash convertors!
Dont forget the duty cycle of the machine. Perhaps the welders that you are not looking at dont have an issue with this but I hate a welder that cuts out to cool down.
On this note, your duty cycle is generally measured at a set temperature, over a given period of time (usually 10 minutes).Quote:
Originally Posted by manofaus
So 60% Duty cycle is 6 minutes continuous welding (often at 40 degrees C). It's the ability of the machine to keep itself cool. 100% duty cycle machines are generally reserved for production line work, robotics, heavy industry etc.
Duty cycle is a big concern if you are on a pipeline, breakdown work on a mine, or time sensitive stuff, but for the average punter, the average unit at say 35% won't have an issue. You do spend time doing joint prep, marking out the job, finish the weld, drink a beer, etc. Can't work too hard, eh ;)
Shakey - have you considered the cost of bottle rental? If you are getting a MIG I would suggest staying away from gasless wire.
If you were planning on using gassless wire I would consider one of the small electronic DC arc welders - very smooth and easy to operate. Would be more than capable for what you want (chassi work, building sliders,etc), very compact and some will come with a TIG option. If you wanted to do panel repairs on a Landrover just remmber you will be dealing with alloy panels and not all MIG / TIGs can weld alloy.
Thanks crash, I was going to use the disposable gas bottles with the mig rather than rent as I think my usage won't be that heavy. Most of the cheap ones do gas/gasless so I figure I can always try both.
I want planning on any panel work as that part seems fairly straight from initial inspection!
Will investigate the DC arc Welders but if they are only a few bucks cheaper I think having both options would be best to start.
The way I figure, if a cheap one is OK and lasts me through a few chassis repairs and a set of sliders it will have paid for itself and I can decide if I want to invest more in better one.
I've only got standard mains power too so can't go too big either.